The Middlebury Film and Media Culture Department is putting together a team of students to compete in the “Sleepless in Burlington” 24 hour filmmaking competition as part of the Vermont International Film Festival. We are looking for students that can fill multiple roles associated with the pre-production, production, and post-production process and we would like to invite you all to seek one of the five available team positions.
I am the official team advisor, but Chris Keathley and Daniel Houghton will help me build a team that can collaborate together for a couple of days without sleep to produce a spectacular video. We are looking for students that are interested, available, and able in that order of importance.
Overview: A 24-hour filmmaking competition in which five teams of five students compete to complete a short (less than 10 minutes) film in 24-hours, incorporating common elements (dialogue, locations, themes) and presented in an “American Idol”-type showcase.
Where: Burlington, VT
When:
Thursday October 27th (evening) – a general orientation with introductions and guidelines etc. We will also get the story “elements” at this meeting.
Friday October 28th 8am – a casting call with professional actors and actresses provided by the event coordinators. The competition officially begins at 10am.
Saturday October 29th noon – the submission deadline.
Sunday October 30th afternoon – the screening as part of the Vermont International Film Festival.
You must be available from Thursday evening until Saturday at noon. I would like everyone to be at the screening on Sunday if possible. We will have transportation and are working on a place to stay in Burlington.
Roles:
Writer – The film begins with you. You will ideally seek guidance from your team members, but when push comes to shove you can work independently to quickly put a solid story together. Pre-production is your baby and you will stay up from Thursday night until the casting call developing the story. You will also be expected to adapt the story as needed during production and you will be expected to fill in as needed by moving lights and or editing.
Director – You can give actors direction and can lead a production to a polished finished product in a short amount of time. You are not afraid to speak up and can communicate effectively. Ideally, you have experience doing this. You can also edit like a fiend.
DP/Camera Operator – You know your way around a camera and have an established visual style. You put the director at ease and allow her/him to focus on the acting and the big picture. You have experience with lighting and can also fill that role as needed. You can also edit like a fiend.
Audio Engineer – You can cover all aspects of audio. You can record clean sound during production. You can mix the audio during post production. You can compose music and sound effects with a deadline looming.
Editor – You will be the primary editor. You are fast and experienced and know the basics of motion graphics, color correction, and special effects. You will also need to help with pre-production and production so you should know your way around the set.
All team members must know how to have fun and must play well with others.
Send an email to me ethanm@middlebury.edu with the subject line “Sleepless in Burlington” if you would like to be a part of Middlebury’s team for this competition.